New Delhi: Muhammad Yasir, the rising javelin thrower from Pakistan, has brought glory to his nation by winning a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championship. This talented 25-year-old athlete secured the podium spot with an impressive throw of 79.93 meters during the event held in Bangkok last month.

However, what makes Yasir’s achievement even more remarkable is that Pakistan’s last medal in the Asian Athletics Championship came way back in 1991, making him the only Pakistani athlete to clinch a medal in the current edition.

Pakistan’s Javelin sensation

Muhammad Yasir, ranked as Pakistan’s number 2 javelin thrower, has now become the sole Pakistani athlete to claim a medal at the Asian Athletics Championship. His exceptional performance has earned Pakistan the 17th position in the medal tally among 42 participating countries. Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has also lauded Yasir for his remarkable feat.

“It was a pleasant surprise when he (Neeraj Chopra) called me up and appreciated my performance after I won the bronze medal in the javelin event recently. He wished me the best of luck for future events,” Yasir told Geo TV.

Yasir’s Inspiration: Neeraj Chopra

In an interesting twist, Yasir finds his inspiration in none other than India’s Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra. The two athletes share a special bond, with Yasir considering Chopra as his role model. Yasir has even adopted a hairstyle similar to Chopra’s, expressing his admiration and respect for the Indian star. He stated that Chopra’s Olympic triumph was an unprecedented achievement for anyone from this part of the world.

EXCLUSIVE 🎥

ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023

💥On his personal best
💥On Neeraj Chopra
💥On Arshad Nadeem (The first ever athlete from South Asia to breach the 90m mark)

Interview of Pakistan’s Javelin Thrower Yasir Muhammad. #AsianAthleticsChampionships #JavelinThrow pic.twitter.com/o9Ils6rvgi

— nnis (@nnis_sports) July 16, 2023

Shared podium with an Indian athlete

Adding to the camaraderie between India and Pakistan, Yasir shared the podium with Indian javelin thrower, Deepak Mani, who won the silver medal alongside Yasir. Reflecting on the experience, Yasir expressed his delight at standing on the podium with a neighboring athlete, calling it a truly incredible moment.

As Yasir prepares for the Olympics, he aims to qualify with a throw of 85.50 meters, setting his sights on the Paris Olympics.

A tale of sportsmanship, inspiration

Muhammad Yasir’s remarkable achievement at the Asian Athletics Championship not only brings pride to Pakistan but also highlights the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends borders. His admiration for Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra showcases the power of sport to unite and inspire athletes from different nations.